Some of the most frustrating parts of parenting teenagers are the misunderstandings and

miscommunications, or… when we don’t “get” them.

For example, no matter how many times you explain something, they miss what you mean. Or, when they talk and act in a way that seems completely reasonable in their own thinking, yet the inconsistencies are so obvious to us that it’s hard not to laugh (or cry).

If we could just “get” them, we could understand their (il)logic and communicate in their language. It would be so much easier to help them and prepare them for life both now and in adulthood.Read More

Feeling disrespected can be frustrating and even infuriating. I’m sure we’ve all experienced the rage well up inside us when our children are disrespectful.

We’re told to expect disrespectful behavior from teenagers in our culture, but that doesn’t make it easy to deal with. And even more importantly, is it true? Should we expect disrespect as if it’s normal and okay?

I don’t think so. I think it’s normal that people of any age are disrespectful without training. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay.Read More

The teenage years tend to bring a lot of drama, confusion and emotions into any family relationship.

It’s a recipe for conflict and misunderstanding.

In the midst of the confusion, it’s hard for us as parents to know how to respond to the emotions and behavior we experience from our teens! On the one hand, we want to comfort and protect them. On the other hand, we want them to grow up and get over things that don’t matter.Read More

Most parents want their children to be happy. In fact, we are willing to do almost anything to ensure our kid’s safety, success, and happiness.

We struggle to protect their safety, do all we can to educate and motivate toward success, and we work hard to provide for their happiness.

However, the reality is that the things we fight against – risk, vulnerability and failure – are necessary factors on the journey toward success. And happiness is not something we can provide or something to be achieved once and for all.

Happiness is tricky. Pursuing happiness is like chasing your own shadow. You know it’s there, but you can’t seem to grasp it. One moment it’s in plain sight and the next you’re not sure where it’s at.Read More

Whether it’s showering, washing hands, putting on deodorant or wearing clean clothes, sometimes it’s hard for parents to help their children entering the teen years to understand hygiene.

Children that are used to bathing and changing clothes less frequently because they didn’t need it before may have a hard time when parents insist that they need to shower and change their clothes more often.

The desire for better hygiene from parents combined with the lack of understanding of growing children can create quite the struggle!Read More